International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM 2016

• 6 February 2016 •

Over recent years there have been significant achievements towards ending female genital mutilation (FGM). In 2012, the United Nations (UN) passed a resolution calling for the elimination of FGM, laws have been passed or enhanced in many countries and there is a vibrant global movement against the practice. Data shows that FGM is in decline in some countries, notably Kenya. However new research from UNICEF concludes that there are more than 200 million girls and women living who have had FGM.

This is why it is important that today on 6th February, the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, we all come together and pledge to be the generation that ends FGM.

"Although the practice of FGM cannot be justified by medical reasons, in many countries it is executed more and more often by medical professionals, which constitutes ones of the greatest threats to the abandonment of the practice. A recent analysis of existing data shows that more than 18 per cent of all girls and women who have been subjected to FGM have had the procedure performed by a health-care provider and in some countries this rate is as high as 74 per cent." - United Nations

FGM key facts (source: United Nations)

Over 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone some form of FGM.

If current trends continue, about 3 million additional girls worldwide are at risk of being subjected to the practice each year.

FGM is mostly carried out on young girls sometime between infancy and age 15.

FGM cause severe bleeding and health issues including cysts, infections, infertility as well as complications in childbirth increased risk of newborn deaths. It can also cause life long psychological complications for survivors.

FGM is a violation of the human rights of girls and women.

28 Too Many works to end female genital mutilation (FGM). Our primary focus is on research and enabling local initiatives to end FGM. We campaign and advocate for change globally and support local projects which will lead to lasting change to end FGM. Read more about our work in our annual report.

All our research and much more information about FGM is freely available on our website.

Take Action

Learn about FGM. What are the global issues and what are the challenges where you live?

Start conversations emphasising the importance of educating and empowering women and girls.

Write to your MP raising the need for a global agenda of zero tolerance to FGM. Encourage him or her to promote both the global campaign and effective education for health care workers, community leaders, women and children in the United Kingdom. Ask them to speak to the Secretary of State for Health about the provision of training for UK medical staff.

Videos

Warriors – an inspiring documentary about a group of Maasai who use the power of sport to campaign for gender equality and to end FGM and early marriage.

Silent Scream (Into Film) - Silent Scream is ground breaking and compelling short drama documentary highlights the myths and misconceptions that appear to justify the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM). Yasmin, a female living in Bristol, is trying to persuade her mother not to put her sister through FGM.